Washington Gov. Chris Gregoire made it official today, signing a bill that creates the nation's second paid-family leave program, spokeswoman Holly Armstrong said. The law takes effect Oct. 1, 2009 and provides $250 a week for up to five weeks for most workers to take time off to care for a newborn or adopted child, according to the Economic Opportunity Institute, a Seattle-based advocacy group that pushed for the measure.

The stipend will be prorated for parttime workers. The law also protects the jobs of workers at employers with 25 or more employees who take the leave and have been on the job at least one year. Lawmakers still have to figure out how to finance the program.

The bill covers new and adoptive parents only, but not workers taking family leave to care for a sick family member or a serious illness, as California's program does.

"Certainly it's not the bill we originally proposed," said Marilyn Watkins, the institute's policy director. "But it's still a really important step."

Oregon, New York and New Jersey are considering similar measures, Watkins said. The Oregon bill recently passed the House Human Services and Women's Wellness Committee on a 4-3 vote. The bill creates a Family Leave Benefits Insurance program and is now awaiting hearing in the House Ways & Means Committee, which approves bills requiring new revenue.

In its current form, Oregon House Bill 2575 would provide $250 a week for up to six weeks for workers caring for a newborn, adopted child, sick family member or their own serious illnesses. The program would be financed by a penny-per-hour tax on worker earnings.